Chelsea are in active talks over a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, according to a report from CaughtOffside.
Wharton first made his name in professional football while coming through the academy ranks at Championship club Blackburn Rovers.
He made 51 appearances for the Riversiders before Crystal Palace won the race for his signature in January 2024.
His second debut for Palace came against Chelsea, and despite the Eagles losing 3-0, he delivered an assured display and was one of Roy Hodgson’s best players on the night.
Over the last two seasons, the 22-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable midfielders.
Wharton also played a central role in Palace’s remarkable trophy haul under former manager Oliver Glasner, starting the FA Cup, Community Shield, and Conference League finals as the Eagles clinched all three competitions.
That consistency on the biggest stages attracted attention from several top clubs, with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester United all previously registering interest, though their pursuit has since cooled.
Chelsea have now emerged as the most serious suitor, with CaughtOffside reporting that the London club are “engaged” in talks with Wharton’s camp regarding a potential move to Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham dropped their interest after spending £185m to reinforce their midfield, while internal changes at Liverpool led to a change of direction despite an initial willingness to offer over £70m for the player.
Securing a deal will not be straightforward, however, as Palace are expected to demand a fee in line with the £116m Manchester City paid Nottingham Forest to sign Elliot Anderson.
Chelsea’s midfield situation has become increasingly urgent as the summer window progresses, with the department now considered as critical an area as defence for reinforcement.
Andres Santos has already departed for Manchester United, adding further pressure on Chelsea’s decision-makers to find suitable replacements quickly.
The future of Enzo Fernandez also remains uncertain, although Xabi Alonso stated in a press conference that he would love to work with the Argentine midfielder this coming season.
Should Fernandez leave Stamford Bridge, Wharton’s qualities would make him an ideal replacement, offering strong passing, defensive reliability, and consistent availability unlike the injury-prone Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea’s summer business is shaping up to be among the most ambitious in the Premier League, with Wharton potentially just one piece of a significant squad overhaul under Alonso.